Students awarded two-year scholarship

By: Jyllian Roach, Editor-in-Chief | Photos By Jonathan Gamboa

Six students were honored at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe by the House and Senate Education Committees for receiving the All State
Academic Scholarship, which awards students with free tuition to any four year institution in New Mexico for two years for demonstrating leadership
and community involvement.

Melanie MullensPre-Health Sciences

“It will be really helpful. I am a single mom, so paying for school is not easy.”

Mullens earned her scholarship by volunteering with the Mats Mobile Detox, which helps people with addiction and at Crossroads, an organization that helps women in domestic violence situations.

She plans to transfer to UNM and major in dental hygiene. Her goal is to open a private practice in a rural area.

Steve FyeCulinary Arts

“I’m really honored to get this.”

Fye plans to attend UNM as a journalism major and weave his loves of food and writing into a career as a food writer.

He is a member of the six-month-old campus Veteran’s Club and is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa-Alpha Upsilon Chi.

Off campus, Fye volunteers with a non-profit called the Society for Creative Anachronism, an educational historical re-creation group.

Crystal PereaFine Arts Studio

“I feel proud and accomplished for the first time in my life.”

Perea helped to raise scholarship money with Miles of Coin, designed the Lobo Paw and fed the homeless through Stand Down.

On campus, she and three others organized a cleanup day on multiple campuses. She also created art installations for the Westside campus.

Perea wants to work with autistic and at-risk children hopes to do so by transferring to UNM and earning a master’s degree in art therapy.

Natasha SpencerPre-Health Sciences

“I am excited about this, it is such a relief.”

Spencer is a member of Phi Theta Kappa-Alpha Upsilon Chi and has participated in the group’s jacket and food drives, as well as other fundraisers.

She also volunteers at The Albuquerque Roadrunner Tournament.

She plans to transfer to UNM and major in either dental hygiene or medicine so that she can work in public health.

Stephen MartosCriminal Justice

“I feel very honored to receive this award. It’s a really great opportunity.”

As President of the Executive Council of Students, Martos is no stranger to community service. ECOS has volunteered with many campus-sponsored events, created campus safety trainings and safety walks and has held food, clothing, shoe and toy drives to help those in need.

Martos is unsure where he will continue his education, but eventually wants to attend law school.

Adrienne SanchezIntegrated Studies

“I feel really good, it’s free tuition.”

Sanchez plans to transfer to UNM to become certified as both a nutritionist and a nurse.

She has volunteered with March of Dimes and the Storehouse.

She is also a SkillsUSA member and went to the State Leadership Conference in 2012.

Want to apply for next year’s scholarship? Here’s some advice from the winners:

“Don’t give up. People get intimidated with the amount of work you have to do to get the scholarship, but it is really not that bad.” – Melanie Mullens

“Do it. Stick with it and keep working on your essays.” – Steve Fye

“If you can help someone out with your time and get some money to go to school, it’s worth it.” – Crystal Perea

“Don’t be lazy. Write the essays. It is easy, but a little time consuming. It’s definitely worth it.” – Natasha Spencer

“Don’t be afraid to get out there are help in the community. It will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine.” – Stephen Martos

“Document everything you do. Make sure you have good references and you get everything done on time.” – Adrienne Sanchez